I began today’s study with compass and ruler, Kandinsky’s work in mind. Usually I have a couple of paintings going at the same time, so I had not planned this one to be part of my current portrait series. I’m not quite sure how it became one.

I drew on symbols and visual elements I had developed through previous explorations in portraiture, specifically about Mike*.

Mike Portrait No.2, June 2017 (© 2017 Jack Davis)
12″x9″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block

I understand that Matisse removed all ‘scaffolding’ that indicated his process of creating, leaving only the perfected visual masterpiece.

I’m not sure how an explanation of the symbols, or my construction of this study would add to the visual experience, so this aspect of my scaffolding remains invisible (for now, at least).

The interested reader may find this series of portraits of my brother interesting: Young Mike, In Transition, Final Transition, Returning to Mike.

*Mike is my older brother, who is autistic, low functioning and nonverbal. Currently, he resides in a geriatric group home.